The clock is ticking. Staffordshire’s workforce is being re-engineered – but will your business keep up?
It’s almost three years since Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce was appointed as designated employer representative body for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
LSIP is an initiative funded by the Department for Education and aims to place employers at the very heart of the skills system.
LSIP is developing a roadmap to ensure that our region’s workforce is fully equipped with the right skills to meet the demands of a changing economy, both now and in the future. We’re one of 32 Chambers’ of Commerce who have been tasked with LSIP delivery. This is a natural fit, given the very business facing role of Chambers’ of Commerce.
During the past three years, LSIP has successfully engaged with a broad mix of business sectors but overall delivery within our region, is centred on five priority sectors of:
- Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, including Ceramics.
- Advanced Logistics.
- Health and Social Care.
- Construction.
- Decarbonisation and Energy Distribution.
A new addition to this list will be Agriculture/Agri-Tech.
It’s been a turbulent and challenging few years for our economy and the economic landscape continues to evolve, which is why LSIP need to keep pace with what’s happening. More and more businesses are investing in logistics, Net Zero/green technology and digital/AI, all of which offer the potential for long term employment growth but come with a need to “future proof” skills and learning.
LSIP is working to align the local skills supply with employer demand, which will help to accelerate growth and prosperity across our region. Work in this area will focus on improved pathways from school into skilled employment, as well as supporting adult learners and under represented communities. LSIP is also influencing local businesses on the importance of skills development.
A Roadmap for Change has been published, which will keep local employers at the very heart of the skills system. Further action in this area will look at how to improve recruitment and retention in the education sector, unlocking apprenticeship opportunities and supporting a smoother careers transition period.
Skills Minister (Jacqui Smith) has confirmed government support for the good work being delivered through LSIP, having recently commented: “We remain committed to the LSIP model as part of our Plan for Change, and have strengthened the role that Mayors and Strategic Authorities will play in identifying and addressing the local skills issues in the plans.
“Skills England will work hand-in-hand with businesses, education providers, Mayors and Strategic Authorities, unions, and other bodies to tackle skills shortages, co- creating solutions to ensure more opportunities for young people and existing workers wherever they are based in the country.”
It’s not too late for your business to get involved. In fact, we would positively encourage you to join us in shaping the future of local skills delivery! Simply send me an e-mail:
